INTER-KOREAN SUMMIT: LEADERS COMMENTS ON HEALTH,

UNCLAS SEOUL 003025 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF PGOV PINR KS KN SUBJECT: INTER-KOREAN SUMMIT: LEADERS COMMENTS ON HEALTH, DRINKING AND DECIDING ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The second ever inter-Korean summit, held in Pyongyang October-2-4, offered rare glimpses of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's thoughts and preoccupations. KJI made surprisingly many public comments, mostly intended for the South Korean and international audience. KJI's comments were also an attempt to show the world that he was the senior partner on the Peninsula and that he should be treated as such. End Summary. -- KJI on His Health ¶2. (U) During the October 4 farewell luncheon for Roh, KJI told the South Korean press that there were various "reports as if I had diabetes on top of heart disease, but that's not really true." Commenting on reports of German doctors in Pyongyang in June, KJI explained that "we are inviting people so we can ask them to conduct and strengthen research because our research into heart illness is weak, but they are reporting incorrectly." Still, showing a sense of humor, KJI said "I don't necessarily feel offended, because they seem to show enormous interest in covering me, and I don't dislike that." ¶3. (SBU) South Korean press commented that KJI seemed considerably weaker than seven years ago. He moved slowly and his waist-line, already considerable in 2000, had further expanded. However, reports of KJI suffering from serious sickness, such as heart problems, Alzheimer's, and even being immobile, are clearly not correct. -- KJI and Roh: One-Upmanship? ¶4. (U) On Oct 3, just before the summit, KJI abruptly asked Roh, "Are you a good drinker? Do you prefer soju or beer?" Roh was clearly puzzled and seemed to digest the question somewhat before responding, "I understand that Pyongyang has really good soju." ¶5. (U) Another humorous episode was when Roh said very seriously, "Thank you for being at the welcoming ceremony in person." KJI laughed and said, "Since I'm not a sick patient or anything, there was no reason for me to laze around the house." ¶6. (SBU) Probably the tensest public moment was when invited Roh to stay one more day, declaring "Tomorrow we'll have lunch (before you return)( I would like you to take your time, sit down and relax, and have meal with your belt loosened. I suggest that you extend your stay for another day." An obviously disturbed Roh looked bewildered and said, "There are two that are more powerful than I am -- Let me first consult my security team and protocol team." KJI responded bluntly, saying, "Aren't you the President? You cannot decide?" Roh composed himself and then responded, "I decide on big things, but on others my security and protocol make the decision." Soon thereafter, KJI told the press that "Since we talked sufficiently, we won't need to (extend the stay)." -- Roh on Respect ¶7. (SBU) Upon arriving at "Man-su-dae," the NK Supreme People's Assembly building, Roh wrote in the visitors' book, "Hall of the people's sovereignty, where the people's happiness originates." At the dinner table Roh said, "There is an indispensable thing for a successful N-S peace and economy: Chairman KJI should live long and healthy(," and proposed, "Speaking of health, let's give a toast to Chairman Kim's health!" After his morning session of the summit on Oct 3, Roh said to the rest of the South Korean delegation, "I felt no small challenge (at the summit)," "We need to be attentive and considerate in respecting the NK regime." VERSHBOW